2,639 miles from and to my driveway here at the world HQ. Pieces of 5 states. Nine days. Half of which were travel days. Next time it's rental and airline for more time with the family. This time it was a shake down cruise with the G-Girl. I wouldn't change this trip, it was great, (I would extend it if I could, there is that, but it was right for the moment. Troubles? Very few. Very minor. A burned out tail light lamp that proved hard to find, but when I did I got two for 2.99 plus tax. The inevitable road construction, especially through Georgia (which I'm trying to get off my mind), and of course the Georgia drivers, who are definitely pushing Ohio drivers for worst in the US (several of the worst drivers in GA were actually OH drivers though, the ones who can't tell which lane is moving faster, of if there is a car next to them as they start to change lanes). That is all a primer for the Florida drivers, who are the most unyielding in the world, making everybody have to drive aggressively to survive or at least merge or turn. Luckily I was in a car with more than her fair share of spunk, and rarely had to make an issue of it, still it is scary driving in Florida traffic.

Charlie's in Stuart, one of many places to have a Corona. Chuck Pace © 2007
Another observation. Rest stops. Apparently Hoosiers have stronger, bigger bladders than any of their southern counterparts. With just three rest stops between Louisville and Indy it can be a very interesting 116 miles. Add about three more in KY for the 135 mile border to border I-65 experience and you start to see a trend. By the time you get to Sunny Florida there is a rest stop about every 20 miles, and on the Florida Turnpike (the very well maintained toll speedway) there are even signs that tell you how much Starbucks coffee you can drink at the current plaza and still make it to the next on without depending on your depends. "St. Lucie Service Plaza, 1 mile, Next Service Plaza in 9 miles," (go for a Venti, big boy, and buy a bag of Indian River Oranges too ya big lug). What would you expect from a State that looks like a male member, and is surrounded on three sides by water. Dang! I gotta go now just thinking about it.
The drive from Chapmansboro Tennessee to Old Town Florida takes just about thirty ticks shy of 12 hours, so that in both directions is nearly a full day of seat time, That' s with several stops and at least one sit-down meal each way, but still that a long time to butt still.
The 15 to 25 minute drive into work today seems a cake walk, maybe I'll down a venti before I go just to show that I've built up my bladder power on the way back up. Hey why aren't there any leaves on these trees?
See you at the Chatterbox, maybe I'll beat Brad Griffith to the head, nah I think Florida is waiting for his micro-bladder, I haven't a chance. Have a Corona ready for me DeAnne.
Chuck Pace © 2007
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